(Press-News.org) The quality of care of patients hospitalized with venous thromboembolism (VTE) significantly improved between 2005 and 2009, and researchers suggest these improvements may be due to the implementation of VTE treatment guidelines. Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, researchers from Inova Fairfax Hospital and Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Falls Church, Virginia, reviewed quality care measures in 800,000 VTE discharges that took place from 2005 to 2009. Results showed that in-hospital mortality and length of stay decreased during this time, while total cost per case remained stable. Results also indicated that VTE diagnosis increased, as did severity of illness. Researchers speculate that VTE care improvements may be tied to the implementation of VTE treatment guidelines and more aggressive care. This study was presented during CHEST 2012, the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, held October 20 – 25, in Atlanta, Georgia.
### END
Guideline implementation may impact VTE quality of care
2012-10-22
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Trainee presence during endobronchial ultrasound increases complications
2012-10-22
The presence of a trainee during endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) may have negative implications, including increased procedure time and complications. Researchers from the University of Calgary retrospectively reviewed 607 EBUS procedures, of which a trainee was present for 512. Significant differences were seen when a trainee was present vs when no trainee was present for procedure length (58.32 vs 37.69 min) and for the dose of propofol used (178.28 vs 137.11 mg). In addition, more complications were seen in the trainee group (24 vs 1). This study was presented during ...
10-minute 'tension tamer' can help reduce stress and improve sleep
2012-10-22
A simple, 10-minute stress reduction technique could help to relieve stress, improve sleep quality, and decrease fatigue. Researchers from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, attempted to determine the effect of a brief, stress reduction technique, the 10-minute Tension Tamer, on improvement of stress levels and sleep parameters in 334 patients in a heart health program. After a 30-minute introductory workshop, subjects were given instruction and guided opportunities to practice 10-minute Tension Tamers over the course of four 30-minute visits ...
'Elbow test' may predict sleep apnea
2012-10-22
Have you ever been "elbowed" by your bed partner because you were snoring? If yes, new research says you could have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Prior to polysomnography testing, researchers from the University of Saskatchewan asked 124 patients two questions: (1) Does your bed-partner ever poke or elbow you because you are snoring; and (2) Does your bed-partner ever poke or elbow you because you have stopped breathing? Answering 'yes' to being awakened for snoring or apneic spells increased the likelihood of an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >5/h (indicating at least mild ...
2.5 hours of patient/therapist contact time increases CPAP use
2012-10-22
Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often used as therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), patient compliance with CPAP remains an issue. However, new research presented at CHEST 2012, the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, shows that patients who meet with a respiratory therapist for a total of 2.5 hours within 30 days of initiating CPAP had significant compliance after 1 month of therapy. Researchers from Kaiser Permanente retrospectively reviewed the charts of 39 patients with OSA who were treated with CPAP and on a portable ...
Study demonstrates how fear can skew spatial perception
2012-10-22
That snake heading towards you may be further away than it appears. Fear can skew our perception of approaching objects, causing us to underestimate the distance of a threatening one, finds a study published in Current Biology.
"Our results show that emotion and perception are not fully dissociable in the mind," says Emory University psychologist Stella Lourenco, co-author of the study. "Fear can alter even basic aspects of how we perceive the world around us. This has clear implications for understanding clinical phobias."
Lourenco conducted the research with Matthew ...
Artspace Warehouse Stages Art Show at Warner Bros.
2012-10-22
Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, an iconic film and television production company, partnered with Los Angeles gallery Artspace Warehouse exhibiting an installation of contemporary artworks from emerging Los Angeles and Swiss artists. Warner Bros. employees got a unique chance to revel in the works of these artists exhibited at Central Perk, the cafe featured in the Warner Bros. hit show Friends which was filmed on the lot.
Hot emerging artists in this show included Courtney Raney, Hilary Bond, Mark Acetelli, Paul Kirley and Colleen Sandland among others.
The artworks ...
Dr. Gregory Wilmoth of Southern Dermatology in Raleigh, NC Named a Top Doctor By U.S. News
2012-10-22
With over 21 years experience, Dr. Gregory Wilmoth, MD of Southern Dermatology has been identified as one of the country's top doctors according to U.S. News in partnership with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. As a fellow in the American Society of Mohs Surgery, Dr. Wilmoth specializes in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, the most advanced treatment for skin cancer today.
Dr. Wilmoth established Raleigh's first private Mohs surgery practice in 2000. Dr. Wilmoth practices general adult dermatology with a special interest in Mohs surgery, cosmetic dermatology, laser skin rejuvenation ...
Electronic Penny Auction Bidding Website Promotional Code, Discounts & Free Bids. Why? Because It Makes Cents!
2012-10-22
Penny Electronics, LLC a New York based company specializing in eCommerce offers quality customer service and an outlet for great online auctions featuring a full store with various products ranging from electronics and household items to vacation packages. Electronic Penny is currently offering a limited time promotion where every new customer who signs up for their penny auction website is granted 15 free bids.
How to get the free bids? It is easy and 100% FREE! No credit card required!
1- Go to http://www.electronicpenny.com
2- Register and sign up for the news ...
International Call for Artists Working in All Mediums Around the World
2012-10-22
MyArtContest.com and Artist Portfolio Magazine are pleased to announce an open call for art for the second anniversary issue of Artist Portfolio Magazine. This is an open art exhibition that is open to all US and International Artists.
Over $8000 in cash, prizes and publication opportunities. ALL PARTICIPANTS will receive at least 1 work of art published in Artist Portfolio Magazine, Issue 11.
Theme: OPEN
All art mediums and styles.
AWARDS:
BEST IN SHOW - $1000, Cover of 2 year anniversary issue of Artist Portfolio Magazine and a 2-4 page feature
2nd ...
Dr. Margaret Altman Serving Treasure Coast Seniors At New WellMed Clinic
2012-10-22
The newest medical home for Medicare-eligible seniors on the Treasure Coast is now open in Fort Pierce featuring the services of Dr. Margaret Altman and her staff.
WellMed at Fort Pierce is located at 1155 South US 1. Designed with senior care in mind, WellMed at Fort Pierce features six exam rooms and an on-site lab, plus senior-friendly features including no-glare lighting, non-skid flooring and extra-wide hallways.
Leading the clinic is Dr. Margaret Altman, a Kentucky native who earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, ...